Digital files – Why all the DAM hype? The zen of digital decluttering.

Modern Office – Digital asset management systems and the zen of decluttering.

Digital files and the zen of digital decluttering. We create so many digital files and content these days. There is a rare breed of human that thrives in chaos. However, it is no surprise that most teams working with digital files use Digital Asset Management systems (DAM). We create, share and manage them across the entire asset lifecycle.

One of the first steps recommended almost universally, is to take stock. Get a holistic view of all your files, starting from the oldest. Without a DAM, this step will pose a unique challenge. Especially if your files are located on different computers, or even in different locations.

Home office – Digital asset management systems and the zen of decluttering.

Digital decluttering

We, humans, love control and predictability. Lack of organization makes us feel as if we have lost control. This leads to anxiety and subsequently, insecurity. In her book, Change Your Life By Tidying Up: The Japanese Way Of Decluttering And Organizing, Alicia Mutsuki instructs her readers to ruthlessly declutter. Identify areas where we hoard. Be it the closet or the fridge, for instance. Detailed instructions follow on how to fold, strategically assemble or throw away. As a result of this merciless culling of possessions, life-changing clarity ensues.

But, unfortunately, Mutsuki does not extend these instructions to the digital decluttering process. Out virtual world is as important to manage. After all, you spend on average 10 hours daily staring at a monitor. So, the relevance and importance of a tidy digital space are obvious.

We work in a high-stress environment. Maintaining your calm and control (zen) is not easy. Clutter increases your stress levels exponentially.

Digital files in an endless sea of folders

We all start with a structure of folders. However, there are obvious limitations to this approach… Firstly, if your files span multiple folder categories, where do you save them? Do you create duplicate copies for each folder? Secondly, how do you search and retrieve digital files across folders?

A taxonomy-based system is a solution. Avoid duplication and simplify storage. With Daminion Server, you only import your files once. In addition to the existing metadata, you can add your own. So, you can search for any file, easily. Search your digital files for keywords, categories, descriptions, etc.

Out of control costs and lost digital files

A report from the IDC shows that digital files lie unused on company servers. On average, a third of your hard work! DAM systems set out to eliminate this wasted time and work. Consequently, Daminion Server will boost your ROI by cutting time to market. You can locate your branded content quickly and consistently. A real time saver when you create business cards, flyers, banner ads and other company branded content.

Case studies – Take control of your runaway digital files

We love success stories. Read how our customers compare the before and the after states of their digital files. Daminion helps customers from diverse industries: from industrial to creative and even non-profits. The common theme is the journey from clutter and chaos to digital zen. Above all, Daminion users report a calm, collected and informed state of affairs.